Guide to Notting Hill Carnival 2023

Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event that defines 'national treasure'. Taking place in the eponymous area of West London, Notting Hill is one of the largest street festivals in Europe, attracting as many as 2.5 million visitors each year.

This annual Caribbean festival is arguably the most famous in the country, has been around since 1966, and takes place on the August Bank Holiday. As one of the world's largest street festivals, you should aim to visit at least one.

What do you need to know about this fabulous event? Here is some of the most useful information you'll need to know about Notting Hill Carnival 2023:

Notting Hill Carnival usually takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend. In 2023, the event will be held on Sunday, August 27, and Monday, August 28.

The carnival takes place in the streets of - you guessed it - Notting Hill, a vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood in West London. The event spans several areas, including Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Park, and Kensal Road - take a bus, train, taxi or stroll anywhere in this vicinity and you'll find yourself there.

Be sure to get to the main streets of Notting Hill early to prepare for the barrage of the senses, and you'll be able to move around a little easier!

Entry to the Notting Hill Carnival is free, and no tickets are required. However, some specific events or parties associated with the carnival may require tickets or have an entry fee - so be sure to do some research ahead of time.

Notting Hill Carnival is a family-friendly event, and there are dedicated areas for children and families. However, it will be crowded, so it is essential to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. The police and event organisers work together to ensure the safety of attendees, but robberies and other crime isn't unheard of, so just be aware of your belongings.

FInally, make sure you bring plenty of sun cream and/or an umbrella (delete as applicable!) and bring water to stay hydrated!

You can sum up the best things of Notting Hill in three words - parade, music, food. As a celebration of Caribbean culture, experiencing these elements is a pretty much guaranteed way of enjoying that carnival.

Firstly, the parade. One of the main attractions of the Notting Hill Carnival is the colourful and energetic parade. The procession features various, ever-more flamboyant groups, including steel bands, dancers, and performers, all dressed in vibrant costumes. The parade typically starts around 9:30 am on both days of the carnival and continues throughout the day, so be sure to get up early!

Music is, of course, an essential part of the Notting Hill Carnival experience. The event showcases a wide range of musical styles, with a focus on Caribbean genres such as soca, calypso, and reggae - and numerous DJs and performers will perform live, with household names often on the line-up too. Note: it'll be loud...

Finally, food is the third significant aspect of the Notting Hill Carnival - and when your belly's rumbling, you'll be spoiled for choice. There are over 300 food stalls, so weigh your options carefully and satisfy your palate with tasty dishes. You can expect a variety of Caribbean dishes, such as jerk chicken, roti, and curry goat, as well as other international cuisines.

The famous coloured houses of Notting Hill in calmer times (Credit)

How to Get to Notting Hill Carnival

It goes without saying that public transport is the best way to get to the Notting Hill Carnival, as numerous roads in the area will be closed for the event. The nearest tube stations are Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park, Ladbroke Grove, and Kensal Green, and local buses to around these areas will all work too. Check the Transport for London website for the latest updates during the carnival weekend.

If you want to stay for the entire duration of the carnival, then a room at The Portobello Hotel in neighbouring Kensington will do you good.

Alternatively, the Ruby Zoe Hotel London is about a 15-minute walk from the route proper.

Finally, if you like the idea of some 5-star treatment after your day of dancing and feasting, The Laslett Hotel is the option for you.

Or you can explore More hotels near Notting Hill